New Haven

Best Nutcrackers and Holiday Shows for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 11/04/2018 - 10:40am

From The Nutcracker to Charlie Brown Christmas, holiday musicals are some of our most beloved traditions this time of year. While we love the classic holiday shows, there are some pretty spectacular new performances happening across the state from the Cabaret Theater in Bridgeport to Warner Theater in Torrington. If you have a budding ballerina in your midst and Clara's story is on your "must see" list, don't worry: we also have you covered for performances of The Nutcracker. For more holiday traditions, check out the Mommy Poppins Holiday Guide for more suggestions for your family this holiday season, including some of the best places to visit with Santa.

All Aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Wed, 08/15/2018 - 9:00am

These rattling, toot-tooting relics are truly treasures across New England landscapes. Each time those vintage diesel locomotives come to life, you can hear that pitter patter of those train-loving little souls of ours. Their dome-cars with padded seats offer the ultimate views for the leaf peeper in all of us and a stop at the pumpkin patch is sure to delight those littles in tow. Here is a roundup of historic Connecticut trains and trolleys to climb aboard this fall. And, for more autumn adventures, check out our CT Halloween Guide for Kids .

Our Favorite Connecticut Lighthouses to Visit

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 9:24am

You don’t have to venture to Cape Elizabeth or Portland for classic New England lighthouse vistas because Connecticut has quite the maritime history. With the very first lighthouse museum in the nation, a half dozen lighthouse tours, and even some lighthouse hauntings, we've rounded up seven Connecticut lighthouses worth a visit with your kiddos.

Finders Keepers: Hunting for Seaglass along the Connecticut Shoreline

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 08/05/2018 - 7:47am

If you're lucky, you might find Coke-bottle aqua or Milk-of-Magnesia Blue. Maybe once in a lifetime you'll unearth rare ruby red. Most often you'll find beer-bottle-brown and wine-bottle-green. But if you ask my kids--it's all treasure no matter what color or size. My very favorite memories of summer were made walking the beach with my kids gathering up every glittering shard of beach glass we could find like a magical treasure hunt. Ground smooth by the ocean and transformed from transparent to translucent by the sand, these tiny bits of sea glass are found scattered (scarcely) on the beaches throughout the state. Here's our roundup of the best beaches to hunt for these precious pieces of treasure washed ashore.

25 Free Things to Do In August

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 8:46am

It's the last month before summer break ends and all your kiddos head back to school. You want to have fun, but you don't want to go broke! After all, that school shopping list is looming over your head. Mommy Poppins has put together a fun list of FREE events happening in Connecticut - there's something for everyone. And of course, don't forget to close out your fun summer with our CT Summer Guide!

August GoList: The Best Things To Do With CT Kids This Month

Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on Sun, 07/29/2018 - 5:58am

We've curated 34 of our favorite things to do in Connecticut this August. Fairs, festivals, sunflower mazes, and loads of fun events are occurring throughout the state. Take the kids to enjoy jazz on the lawn at Bushnell Park, to the Annual Easton Fireman's Carnival, or Pirates and the Sea Day in New London. Remember to check out our Summer Fun Guide to make the most out of this last month of summer. Have fun!

End of Summer Bucket List: 30Things To Do in CT Before School Starts

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Tue, 07/24/2018 - 10:00am

Before pool noodles and beach towels get stored away for another season, and late summer nights are replaced by bedtime curfews and homework, (at least) 30 must-do activities await in Connecticut, a great place to raise kids. So don't pack up the flip flops or exile the picnic basket to storage just yet. There are still a few weeks before school buses begin to line at the curb, allowing us to capitalize on the time left and give summer a proper send-off, making more memories sure to keep hearts warm in the cold days to come.

10 Charming Small Towns in Connecticut You Need to Explore with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 10:15am

Some states are defined by their skyscrapers and sprawling metropolises, but Connecticut is distinguished from its 169 towns that dot the countryside, hills, and coastline. While you may come here to shop, enjoy a cup of coffee at a local cafe, or cruise the countryside - there is a lot of history hiding behind those white picket fences.

47 Summer Day Trips in Connecticut for Families

Submitted by Anna Fader on Mon, 07/02/2018 - 5:00am

Every summer weekend is an opportunity to create a mini family vacation, as easily as jumping in the car. They’re grouped by area so you can easily create your own itinerary. Click through each link for more information and inspiration. Find even more summer activities in our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide.

10 One Mile or Less Hikes to Take with Your Preschooler in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 05/13/2018 - 7:48pm

While Connecticut has hundreds of hiking trails crisscrossing the state, the trails aren’t always suitable for little legs and little feet. So your preschooler may not be ready for Sleeping Giant’s blue trail or Southford Fall’s tower trail however, they will just love exploring the outdoors on these 10 kid-friendly hikes we’ve uncovered. Here are some 1-mile-or-less hikes that are just enough for the youngest of hikers - teaching the invaluable lesson that it is the journey, not the destination. And maybe they’ll catch a frog or two.